Bell Laboratories

Upper Macungie, PA

Project Details

Completed 1991
100,000 sf
$105 million

Architect
Davis Brody Bond

A $105 million laboratory and office complex for laser and computer microchip research division for Bell Labs. Flexibility was necessary for this facility in order to enable it to adapt to a large range of potential research and development projects ranging from light electronics to heavy chemistry and “clean” rooms accomplished through state-of-the-art filtration systems that control temperature, humidity and dust particles. There are ten 10,000 square foot laboratory pods situated on either side of a split-level service and circulation spine that can be divided and fitted for different needs. There are also below grade service tunnels for supply deliveries and waste removal.

Structural features included:

Steel frames structure designed to extremely stringent vibrations criteria to allow research on submicron material.

All labs designed with built in relief from possible accidental explosion which might result from use of volatile gases.

Very difficult foundation construction due to presence of water-bearing shale stratum with tipped bedding planes.